MSN Messenger for Mac is going to be replaced next year with a new IM product that will support AIM, Google Talk, and ICQ

Microsoft is going to kill off MSN Messenger for Mac and replace the IM software with a new product. The company last night also released its latest software update for Office 2004 for Mac.

Microsoft revealed its IM plans during a presentation at the Georgia Institute of Technology's IEEE Student Branch. The company plans to ditch its existing IM solution for Mac in order to develop and deliver a more advanced client.

While details are scarce at present, the new Mac software is expected to appear by the end of next year and will support AIM, Google Talk, and ICQ and be compatible with Windows Live Messenger 9.0.

The Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.9 update fixes an issue that causes Word 2004 to quit unexpectedly when users print a document.

Microsoft notes that this update is recommended for Office 2004 Standard Edition, Office 2004 Student and Teacher Edition, Office 2004 Professional Edition, Word 2004. The update weighs in as a 2.49MB download.